I can’t help but to notice that when we are asked to think of our “ideal” man, he is automatically set at a standard of perfection before we have even met him. I asked a group of women to give me some traits that they seek out in their “ideal” man. They wanted someone who was strong, bold, courageous, confident, funny, caring, trustworthy – the list goes on and on. Please realize that none of these things are bad to desire! Set those standards HIGH, ladies! (And keep them there.)
BUT, here’s the thing. Time and time again I find girls getting crushed by men that fall short of their expectations and desires. A man will never fully satisfy that longing in your heart, he cannot fill that void. Ask any married woman you know and they will tell you the same thing. Now, you may be skeptical. You may think you are perpetually single with no hopes of ever finding this perfect man. The good news is that this kind of love is still available to the even those who feel “forever alone.”
This perfect love, with every trait that we desire in that “ideal man,” is found in the Lord.
What these women didn’t realize…the traits they gave me? Yeah. Every single one of them is applicable to God. Once you realize that the Lord has every trait you could ever want in a man, you start to wonder why you’re not pursuing Him above any man you’ll ever meet. Once you learn to pursue the Lord and be content in His unconditional love and affection, then you’re able to love and pursue your future husband with acceptance that you and him aren’t actually perfect all the time.
Here are some traits the women gave to me when I asked to describe their “ideal man”. The Lord has all of these incredible qualities and way, WAY more.
Trustworthiness
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5
Uplifting
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
Slow To Anger
“The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
Psalm 145:8
Emotionally Supportive
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:17-20
Won’t Quit When The Going Gets Tough
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Exodus 14:14
Honest
“The works of His hands are truth and justice; All His precepts are sure.”
Psalm 111:17
Ability To Communicate And To Listen
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
Jeremiah 29:12
Be There For You
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9
Supportive
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Psalm 147:3
Reliable
“Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
Psalm 62:2
You may never meet the man of your dreams on this earth, but God’s perfect love is available to you today and forever. Understanding this beautiful truth brings a peace to your heart that is unexplainable. There is rest for your soul – the only perfect man to ever walk this earth, to ever die for your wrecked and messed up self so that you could be free from lies and captivity and pain and hurt and death – this love is freedom – this love is for you (yes, you) – this love is Jesus.
